Subsidized Healthcare in Rural Tanzania

Sabrina*, who is a choir member at a local church, was excited to share the recent news about church activities with her in-laws. When she was done with evening choir practice at around 7pm, she decided to stop by her in-laws' place on her way home. 

Unbeknownst to her, her in-laws had dug a pit latrine and covered it with tree branches. Sabrina walked straight into the pit, the brittle branches breaking under her weight and she fell in.

Her screams were heard by her in-laws in the house, who immediately rushed Sabrina to FAME in a Bajaji (auto rickshaw) belonging to a neighbor. Sabrina was bleeding profusely and was unconscious, having sustained injuries at different parts of her body. Worse was a huge wound on her leg where her leg tissue was peeled off leaving the bone exposed. A tetanus vaccine and antibiotics were quickly administered. She was admitted to FAME for four days. 

Through contributions from her church and neighbors, Sabrina’s in-laws were able to raise half the amount needed for her medical care, but were unable to cover the full cost of her treatments. They asked for support from FAME, and our Social Worker, Mr. Kitashu Nganana, took up the case. After talking to the family and traveling to their village to talk with their Ward Executive Officer (WEO), he was able to ascertain that they could not immediately come up with the money. FAME was able to further subsidize the costs. When she was discharged, she needed crutches to help her walk. FAME was able to provide her with free crutches to be returned when her leg was fully healed. 

Over the next three weeks, Sabrina returned to FAME seven times to have her wound cleaned and dressed, all for free. After three weeks, Sabrina was able to walk unassisted, and returned the crutches to FAME. 

FAME remains committed to its mission to provide patient-centered medical care to meet the medical needs of Tanzanian people, including underserved populations in the most rural parts of the region. 

*While the patient’s name has been changed to protect privacy, permission was secured to share her photo and story with FAME supporters, and to raise awareness of available medical care at FAME Medical.

“I would like to say thank you to the FAME staff for the swift and loving care that I have received. When my family brought me to FAME, it was at night and I was in so much pain! The following morning when the doctors explained to me the treatment and how long I would have to stay at the hospital, I was very sad. I knew we couldn't afford the treatment. My husband is a church elder, and I sing at the church choir and sell Rosary beads after church services. We have two kids ages 8 and 3, and we don't have any money! FAME has helped me so much, without FAME I don’t think I’d be able to walk again. I don't have much, but I have a few chickens. Once they’re bigger, I’ll give one of my chickens to FAME as a thank you.” - Sabrina